PHOTOS: APR FC edge Azam to reach second round of CAF Champions League

APR FC defied the odds and saw off Tanzanian outfit Azam with a 2-1 aggregate victory to advance to the next round of the 2024 CAF Champions League. Darko Novic's side made it past the preliminary round after overcoming their 1-0 first leg deficit in Tanzania to beat Azam 2-0 in the second leg in Kigali on Saturday, August 24. Attacking midfielder Bosco Ruboneka opened the scoring in the 44th minute before forward Gilbert Mugisha doubled the lead for the military side in the 61st minute to send the Tanzanians packing. APR FC went into the encounter searching for a by at least a two-goal margin to advance to the next round of the continental competition. The game started slowly with no side creating clear goal-scoring opportunities, but the military side made the most of their superior possession and attacking prowess to find the breakthrough in the first 30 minutes. Their pressing paid dividends in the 44th minute when Ruboneka broke the deadlock, finishing off Claude Niyomugabo's wonderful cross, to draw the two-legged tie level 1-1 before the half time break. Back in the second half, Azam looked more dangerous searching for an equalizer, but the home side looked solid and well organized in defence. Azam's Cheiks Sidibe Pascal Msindo and Gibril Sillah both had the chance to score but failed to hit the target before Fei Toto also missed an opportunity to level the scores in the 60th minute. Their time-wasting had to be punished by APR who doubled their lead through Mugisha after a miscommunication between Azam defenders and goalkeeper Mohamed Mustapha. After scoring second goal, the hosts looked in a relaxed mood as they took control of the tie. Novic immediately switched his tactics as he started to defend and launch quick counter attacks as Azam trying to dominate the possession in the closing stages of the game. APR introduced new blood as Mamadou Lamine Bah made way for Richmond Lamptey while Seidu Dauda Mugisha and Mamadou Sy were replaced by Ramadhan Niyibizi and Victor Mbaoma and Chukwuemeka respectively. Aliou Souane was later introduced after Taddeo Lwanga hobbled off injured. Azam kept pushing for an equalizer, but the Lions held on to keep a clean sheet and booked a ticket to the second round. After eliminating Azam, the military side now has an uphill task to outst Pyramids in the second and final round if they are to reach in the group stages.

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PHOTOS: APR FC edge Azam to reach second round of CAF Champions League